A while back, I came into possession of an old Camillus utility knife. After some research, I discovered that it was a "Navy and Coast Guard Utility Knife--basically a normal camper/utility knife with the awl replaced with a small blade. It dates to the WWII period. The original synthetic shrinky-dink scales had become totally useless, so I sought out a way to have it resurrected. Eventually, I got in touch with our resident knife magician Glennbad, who agreed to take on the project.
I also asked if Glenn would take a look at an old Camillus TL-29 pattern that my Dad gave me when I was maybe nine or ten years old. Odds are good that it was my first real knife. It had seen better days and was in sore need of some help (part of which was facilitated by some grinder-related foolishness...).
Since I had seen examples of Glenn's work in other threads here and elsewhere, I gave him more-or-less free rein to do with them as he saw fit. The only think I knew for sure was that the utility would get smooth bone and the TL-29 would be a single-blade easy open. Other than that, he agreed to keep me in the dark.
Fast forward a few months.... earlier this week I got an email with a tracking number telling me that my new old knives were on the way. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! Today, this is what appeared:
The resurrection Glenn achieved is nothing short of miraculous. The utility has green bone and a stunning shield. I really did not believe that it was the same knife I sent him. The TL, though, is an absolute dream. The black ash covers have great figure and feel. A little burly with great depth. I promptly snapped some pictures and dropped it in my pocket, where I expect it will remain for a long time. That TL has been sitting in the back of my desk drawer for a long time, just waiting to be brought back into service, and Glenn managed to do that and more. I am, without qualification, a very happy camper. I have been on the fence about ordering a knife to commemorate earning my PhD, which will take place in a few weeks, and I am glad to say that Glenn has knocked me off the fence and has delivered something much better (and with double sentimental value) than I would have ordered. Kudos to Glennbad! And, thanks for looking.
I also asked if Glenn would take a look at an old Camillus TL-29 pattern that my Dad gave me when I was maybe nine or ten years old. Odds are good that it was my first real knife. It had seen better days and was in sore need of some help (part of which was facilitated by some grinder-related foolishness...).
Since I had seen examples of Glenn's work in other threads here and elsewhere, I gave him more-or-less free rein to do with them as he saw fit. The only think I knew for sure was that the utility would get smooth bone and the TL-29 would be a single-blade easy open. Other than that, he agreed to keep me in the dark.
Fast forward a few months.... earlier this week I got an email with a tracking number telling me that my new old knives were on the way. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! Today, this is what appeared:
The resurrection Glenn achieved is nothing short of miraculous. The utility has green bone and a stunning shield. I really did not believe that it was the same knife I sent him. The TL, though, is an absolute dream. The black ash covers have great figure and feel. A little burly with great depth. I promptly snapped some pictures and dropped it in my pocket, where I expect it will remain for a long time. That TL has been sitting in the back of my desk drawer for a long time, just waiting to be brought back into service, and Glenn managed to do that and more. I am, without qualification, a very happy camper. I have been on the fence about ordering a knife to commemorate earning my PhD, which will take place in a few weeks, and I am glad to say that Glenn has knocked me off the fence and has delivered something much better (and with double sentimental value) than I would have ordered. Kudos to Glennbad! And, thanks for looking.
